Beth Slocum Obituary, Death – A tragic two-vehicle crash on September 15, 2024, claimed one life and left another individual hospitalized. The accident occurred at approximately 1:01 p.m. on US-75, about two-tenths of a mile south of 3700 Road, roughly three miles south of Ramona, Oklahoma.
According to early reports, the collision involved a 2015 Honda Odyssey and a 2017 Ford F150. The Honda Odyssey, driven by 80-year-old Gordon Slocum from Bartlesville, collided with the Ford F150, which was being driven by 65-year-old Billy Archer of Maramec. Emergency services swiftly responded to the scene, and Gordon Slocum was airlifted by Life Flight to St. John’s Hospital in Tulsa, where he was admitted in stable condition with injuries to his trunk and head.
Unfortunately, the crash proved fatal for Slocum’s passenger, 78-year-old Beth Slocum, also from Bartlesville. She was transported to St. John’s Hospital by Collinsville EMS but was pronounced dead upon arrival, adding a devastating loss to the incident.
Billy Archer, the driver of the Ford F150, was fortunate not to sustain any injuries in the accident. Although airbags deployed in the Honda Odyssey, they did not deploy in the Ford F150. Both vehicles had seatbelt systems in place at the time of the collision.
Authorities are actively investigating the cause of the crash, focusing on various factors, including the conditions of the vehicles and the road at the time of the incident. Preliminary assessments revealed that the weather was cloudy, and the road surface was dry and asphalted, ruling out any immediate concerns about hazardous driving conditions due to weather.
The Oklahoma Highway Patrol (OHP) is leading the investigation into the accident. In addition to the OHP, numerous local agencies provided support at the scene, including the Ramona Fire Department, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Ramona Police Department, Collinsville EMS, Owens Fire Department, and Washington County Emergency Management.
While the exact cause of the collision remains unclear, investigators will continue to analyze the details of the crash to determine contributing factors. These will likely include speed, visibility, and whether either driver may have been distracted or experiencing any mechanical issues with their vehicles at the time of impact.
Accidents such as this one highlight the ongoing risks of road travel, particularly for elderly drivers who may face age-related challenges, such as slower reaction times or reduced physical mobility, that can increase the likelihood of serious accidents. However, it’s essential to note that no conclusions have been drawn yet regarding Gordon Slocum’s driving in this specific case.
The loss of Beth Slocum is a heartbreaking outcome for her family and the community of Bartlesville, where she and her husband were from. The nature of fatal crashes not only devastates the immediate victims but also ripples through their families, leaving a lasting impact on those who knew and loved them. As Gordon Slocum recovers from his injuries, he will undoubtedly face the additional burden of coping with the loss of his wife.
As the investigation continues, the OHP and other authorities will likely focus on several aspects, including the dynamics of the crash—how the two vehicles collided, their respective speeds, and whether any violations of traffic rules occurred. Mechanical inspections of both the Honda Odyssey and Ford F150 could also reveal whether there were any pre-existing issues that may have contributed to the accident. Although it has been reported that the airbags in the Odyssey deployed while those in the F150 did not, it is unclear at this point whether this factored into the severity of injuries or the fatality.
Additionally, the OHP and other agencies will review any witness statements, security camera footage from nearby intersections, or any other relevant information that could shed light on the moments leading up to the crash. In many such cases, thorough investigations help determine whether further actions, such as improved road signage, speed control measures, or even changes to driver training programs, might be necessary to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The emergency response to the scene was substantial, with several local departments assisting in managing the crash, providing medical care, and ensuring the safety of other drivers on the road. The swift coordination among agencies highlights the importance of comprehensive emergency response systems in minimizing the impact of serious accidents and providing timely medical care to those in need.
As the investigation progresses, more details about what caused this fatal accident may emerge. In the meantime, the family and friends of Beth Slocum are left to grieve her loss, while the community offers its support to those affected by this tragic event.
The OHP continues to urge anyone with further information about the crash to come forward, as every detail could contribute to a clearer understanding of how the accident unfolded.